Engine etc.
Whisper (949-LL) has a Perkins 4.108 (50 hp) that replaced the original Graymarine in 1979 shortly after Susan bought the boat. The power is comfortable, and is needed to get through Woods Hole occasionally. We usually limit it to 2000 rpm, although have run it up to 2500 when forced to. I have been thinking about adding a Walker AirSep to the air intake to cut down on noise, which is considerable, and also to minimize the slight oil leaks (sweating) and fumes into the engine compartment (which of course is everthing behing the cabin bulkhead).
It runs well and has been very reliable; we've only had to replace the starter, alternator and fuel pump so far. It's necessary to crack the injectors when bleeding, which is a nuisance, but I have gotten the routine down well by now, and seem to have eliminated an air leak problem that plagued us for a while (it was due to the failure to remove the old gasket on the fuel filter, and installing the new one on top of it - glad to say that it wasn't my error).
To add to the subject, we also have perhaps the last Automac voltage regulator, which is used with a Delco alternator (~100A) modified to accept an external regulator. Batteries are two Rolls 6V HT-4 in series (200 Ah) plus a separate starting battery. They all fit neatly beneath and a bit starboard of the companionway stairs, and are very accessible. I will probably get a removable solar panel to top up the batteries when we are not on board, since we use the lights at night more than we run the engine during the day.
Rick